Trimble's 2013 update says "no commercial use" without buying Pro for $600. And that makes me sad.

[Stray Kat]

Trimble seems to be cutting out the middle class of modelers, the independent users who don't use Layout and who don't have a corporation buying the software for them.

I know that Google Earth is moving toward auto-modeling, but there will be areas where it's not practical to fly an auto-modeling airplane for some time to come.  Independent modelers now have to make a choice: never upgrade from SketchUp 8, spend $600 (for seemingly no added Google Earth modeling functionality), sell models illegally, or quit making commercial Google Earth models.  Ok, or learn Blender or another program.  It doesn't seem like Google would really shed a tear over fewer professional GE models, anyway, with how cavalier GE has been about overwriting hand-made models.

I'm not complaining or suggesting or asking for anything.  This is just an observation, that I don't see this as being a positive change for GE modeling.

The risk of Google overwriting my models doesn't really make the $600 SketchUp Pro purchase feel like a secure investment.  It kind of feels like Google and Trimble don't want to support commercial GE modeling.  And if that is truly the trend it feels like, then I need to get out sooner than later.

Tell me I'm wrong about the trend, Google. Or at least tell me that you like my latest model, because it might be my last, and I'm a little sad today that after 4 years, Stray Kat Studio will most likely shut down this year.

[CraigD - Google]

Hi Kat, 

I can completely appreciate how recent changes have you questioning how much effort to put into Geo Modeling in densely populated areas, but to say that the people who've been completely immersed in supporting 3D Geo Modelers for the past 6+ years wouldn't "shed a tear over fewer professional GE modelers" paints an inaccurate picture of the devotion and care that we've shared over these years. We're part of a much bigger picture though, and even though we came from the modeling world and we care about our friends in that modeling world, we don't get to turn against the direction that the technology is going.

To also say that Google, a company dedicated/required to push technology's boundaries and deliver the most accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date information to the world, is being cavalier with how we implement new 3D/mapping technology assumes that we can make business decisions unrelated to the changing landscape of Mapping and mobile delivery technology. I fear that you're taking an extremely narrow view, but I understand why. If someone is devoted to a particular segment of a much larger picture, and that picture shifts, the entire perspective is put upside down. They take it personally. This is the danger of working with a set of free tools, on a free format in an ever changing world.

What Trimble does to further develop SketchUp is going to be good for SketchUp's future, and they're also operating in an ever changing environment, having to make the best decisions for the overall success of SketchUp and Trimble.

The problem is in thinking that any of the changes are personal. Change is the way of the world, especially in High Tech, and the key to survival (both for large companies and you) is to be in front of those changes so that you can capitalize on the new opportunities that emerge. The segment may change, but there will be new opportunities as well.

Best,

    - CraigD

[Stray Kat]

I'm not saying that particular individuals at Google or Trimble take this lightly on an emotional level, because I can't read minds, but the corporation itself has removed the user models without warning or communication on the topic.  Also, you misquoted me.  I said fewer "GE models", not "fewer modelers".

Now that I know that the new Maps won't show my models at all, it makes the Trimble licensing change immaterial. It makes my decision to shut down my business much easier.  It's actually good that I found out both bits of news on the same day.  I do appreciate the "adapting" advice, Craig, and I will survive.  It just won't be by capitalizing on trends that make ugliness, or by copying the competition.  I'll survive by challenging assumptions and making collaborative new things.  Besides, I have other revenue streams, projects, and studies.

I look forward to when the reality of auto-modeling attains its amazing potential.  I hope that when that happens, and impersonal technology has allowed every company to equally recreate every building equally well, Google Earth will find another way to differentiate itself.

Here's a side question:  When have you ever seen something great happen and then heard someone say, "It's not personal"...?
I wonder if these changes actually do feel a little personal to you, Craig, even if you can't say it.  Google's business is not about us personally, but it does affect us all personally, and I won't pretend to not feel disappointed by my functional art being erased and my clients losing marketing value.  I'm not upset or offended, but I am disappointed.  
I also feel strangely liberated. Like Hannibal's men, I can better focus on my other challenges, now that my proverbial 3D ships have been so completely burned.

GE is a huge technological accomplishment.  I eternally appreciate that GE and Maps are free to the public, and appreciate that it has helped provide me with income for 4 years. 

I wish the GE staff all the best.

Katya